Trying to live a leaner life. We spend too much on toys, clothes, food, etc. Hopefully this will help us get our act in gear!!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Well...it's March!

Where did February go? I really have no idea how we did the last week of February. With all of us having a stomach virus I sort of lost track of the week. I know we ate out more in 1 week than we did all month. I'm hoping it wasn't that bad though.

I know I said this last month, but this month I'm for real...haha! I'm going to save my receipts. I'm really going to! Really ;)

This month is going to be expensive. Maybe I should pretend March doesn't exist and start over in April. With Mac's birthday playdate, birthday party, birthday presents, etc it's going to get pricey. Oh well. She only turns 1 once!!

Followers

Rules

The Rules

They're really quite simple, yet oh so difficult. For one year, we must follow these rules:

We really only have 1 rule. I'm going to try and break some things down though, so we have some guidance. Our #1 rule is simply SPEND LESS!!

REDUCE BUYING NEW THINGSUnless it is absolutely necessary the item does not need to be purchased.

GIFTSSignificantly reduce the cost of spending on immediate family members. No gifts for friends unless it is handmade.

NO FRIVOLOUS SPENDINGIf we can survive another year without it, we can't buy it.If it costs more than $100, we must find it used, or borrow it.

LESS EATING OUTWe are each allowed to spend $40 per month on eating out or buying specialty drinks (coffee, bubble tea, etc).As a family we're allowed $100 per month to eat out.

OUTINGSNo more than 1 special outing per month. (Zoo, museum, etc.)

Exclusions:- Mackenzie's 1st Birthday party is off limits :) I will definitely keep my spending in line and not over-do it.- Pictures with Chera for Mac's 1st Birthday and Christmas.- Halloween Costume for Mackenzie (if I can not figure out how to make her one).- Christmas presents (we will definitely reduce the amount of money spent though).- If we want a "treat" we have to sell something in order to buy it.